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Cleveland Cavaliers: Pros and cons of tanking the 2019-20 season

By Tony Pesta

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 28: Collin Sexton #2 and Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high five during the game against the New York Knicks on February 28, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 28: Collin Sexton #2 and Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high five during the game against the New York Knicks on February 28, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Pros

The pros of tanking are pretty obvious. The Cleveland Cavaliers face a long rebuild ahead of them and sacrificing a few seasons could speed up the process.

First, and most importantly, the chance of landing the number one draft pick increases as the Cavaliers record decreases. If the squad finishes with the worst record in the league, they gain the best chance at selecting first overall in the upcoming draft.

2020 NBA Draft Lottery odds for No.1 pick

  • Bottom three teams (14.0 percent)
  • 4th worst team (12.5 percent)
  • 5th worst team (10.5 percent)
  • 6th worst team (9.0 percent)

Having the highest odds doesn’t guarantee the Cavaliers will secure the top pick. However, any advantage can help. Assuming the peak for this team isn’t very high in the first place, reaching rock bottom and going all-in for the first pick isn’t a horrible idea.

In order to secure the worst record in the league, some trades may need to happen. By trading away veterans such as Kevin Love or Tristan Thompson, the team’s current talent level will drop while their stockpile of future assets continues to be built up.

Even if each member of the Cavaliers hits their stride this season, the team won’t go much further than a first-round exit in the NBA Playoffs. Consequently, tanking for a chance at the number one pick is their best option long term.

Spending two seasons at the bottom of the food chain is much better than being stuck in basketball purgatory in the middle. Nobody wants the rebuilding process to freeze at the midway point. Therefore, tanking is the way to go for Cleveland.

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